Orchestre symphonique de Laval/Alain Trudel – Champagne : Symphonie gaspésienne

Quebec is rich in composers and symphonic works. Unfortunately, this reality is poorly represented on disc. As a nation constantly seeking to assert its presence in the world, this situation should be a source of embarrassment and even shame. Here, the excellent Orchestre symphonique de Laval under the direction of Alain Trudel (no, he hasn’t returned. The recording was made before his departure in 2023) makes up for this by performing an iconic work by one of our great composers: Claude Champagne’s Symphonie gaspésienne. Why aren’t there more versions of this grandiose romantic fresco? It’s beyond me. As I’ve said, the Symphony, which is a single piece lasting some twenty minutes, evokes Romanticism, but also Debussy and La Mer in its sumptuous outbursts and harmonic swirls that are not unaware of Impressionism. Trudel propels his musicians and animates them with a vibrant fervor that brings to life one of the most important scores in the history of Canadian and Quebec music, as it is one of the first of its kind. It’s beautiful, beautiful, beautiful and the OSL sounds magnificent. This is a landmark reading. Finally!

Alain Trudel had the good sense not to be content with just one work from Quebec, adding to the program André Prévost’s Célébration, a piece written for the centenary of Canada in 1967 and premiered by the Halifax Symphony Orchestra. The angularity of Prévost’s harmonies is evident from the very first bursts of brass. This is by far the most “modern” piece on the program. It’s also beautifully orchestrated (Prévost knew how to do that) and atmospheric. I imagine it must have sounded a little rough for a “celebration”, but never mind, it’s superb. 

The program is rounded off by two European masterpieces based on national folklore, Bartok’s Suite de danses Sz 77 (no, not the Romanian Dances!) and Kodaly’s spectacular Galanta Dances. These are perfect partners, serving to showcase the OSL’s impressive range of coloristic capabilities. Listen carefully to the shimmering, sumptuous sonic tableau created in the Kodaly, ending with a rousing conclusion. Very exciting!

The Laval-based orchestra once again confirms its place as one of the finest ensembles not only in Quebec, but also in Canada.

The album will be available on August 30.